NFL Preseason Week 2: 49ers Win 41-17; Raiders Edge Texans 22-20

Jacob Cowing recorded an 83-yard punt return touchdown in the San Francisco 49ers' 41-17 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers during NFL preseason Week 2.

NFL preseason Week 2 opened with the San Francisco 49ers defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 41-17 and the Las Vegas Raiders securing a 22-20 victory over the Houston Houston Texans. During the 49ers' win, rookie Jacob Cowing bolstered his roster chances by returning a punt 83 yards for a touchdown. In the Raiders' narrow win, Houston backup quarterback Davis Mills completed 11 of 15 passes for 93 yards in the first half, while Fernando Mendoza threw an 80-yard pick-six that momentarily put the Texans ahead 14-0.

49ers Special Teams and Offensive Line Battles

San Francisco’s 24-point margin of victory highlighted a competitive battle for depth chart positions before the August 30 cut-down deadline. Jacob Cowing emerged as the most reliable punt-return option on the roster following his scoring play. On the offensive line, rookie Carver Willis earned the start at left guard against the Chargers. He is currently in a four-way competition for the starting role alongside Connor Colby, Robert Jones, and Austen Pleasants, the latter of whom entered the rotation on Thursday night.

Los Angeles faced significant roster shifts following an ACL injury to starting center Tyler Biadasz, who is out indefinitely after hurting his left knee on Tuesday. Second-round rookie Jake Slaughter took over the position, playing nine snaps against the 49ers. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Slaughter allowed zero pressures during his time on the field. The Chargers will look to rebound against the Los Angeles Rams on August 27 at 10 p.m. ET.

Raiders Secondary Faces Coverage Challenges

The Las Vegas Raiders moved to a 22-20 win despite ongoing struggles in pass defense. One week after Arizona Cardinals quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew II combined for 16 consecutive completions, the Raiders allowed Davis Mills to complete over 73% of his first-half attempts. The secondary features several young players in development, including second-year cornerback Darien Porter, a former wide receiver who started 10 games as a rookie.

Injury recovery and positional versatility are defining the Raiders' defensive backfield. Fourth-round rookie Jermod McCoy is returning to action after missing over a year with a knee injury, while fifth-round pick Hezekiah Masses continues his acclimation to the professional level. Second-round safety Treydan Stukes is being cross-trained at both deep safety and nickel, leading the coaching staff to manage his development pace. The Raiders conclude their preseason schedule against the 49ers on August 27 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN Unlimited.

Texans Offensive Line Configuration

Houston’s 20-point performance featured a shifting offensive line anchored by starting tackles Trent Brown and Aireontae Ersery. First-round selection Keylan Rutledge moved from center to start at left guard, allowing Evan Brown to take first-team repetitions at center. Ed Ingram occupied the right guard spot with the initial unit.

High-priced free agent acquisitions Braden Smith and Wyatt Teller played with the second-team unit on Thursday. Smith joined the Texans on a two-year, $20 million contract, while Teller signed for two years and $16 million. Houston must determine if these veterans will start Week 1 or remain as part of a $36 million backup unit. The Texans travel to face the Carolina Panthers on August 28 at 7 p.m. ET to continue their evaluation.

Upcoming NFL Preseason Schedule

The Week 2 slate continues Friday with the New York Jets visiting the Pittsburgh Steelers at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the Panthers at the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Green Bay Packers at the Denver Broncos. Saturday features 10 matchups, starting with the Washington Commanders at the Detroit Lions at noon ET. Other Saturday games include the Buffalo Bills at the Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons at the Indianapolis Colts, and the Kansas City Chiefs at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The weekend concludes with the Seattle Seahawks facing the Tennessee Titans on Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET.